They have set up a fund (I’ve heard both $250k and $600k) to help small craft brewers get started or expand. Any money that comes back goes into the pool to help somebody else, until it runs dry.

In addition, they provide direct coaching and even help purchase ingredients at Sam Adam’s bulk rates.

Keep in mind, that these are potential competitors in the craft beer market. The hope, of course, being that anything that helps grow the craft beer market as a whole benefits Boston Beer Company more than they lose to these new brewers.